*According to the American Cancer Society
Screening has the potential to prevent colorectal cancer because most colorectal cancers develop from adenomatous polyps. Polyps are noncancerous growths in the colon and rectum. Though most polyps will not become cancerous, detecting and removing them through screening can actually prevent cancer from occurring. Furthermore, being screened at the recommended frequency increases the likelihood that when colorectal cancer is present, it will be detected at an earlier stage, when it is more likely to be cured, treatment is less extensive, and the recovery is much faster.
Risk Factors You Cannot Avoid
Risk Factors You Can Change
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Early colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, which is why screening is so important. Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp, a small growth in the wall of the colon. As a polyp grows, it can bleed or obstruct the intestine. See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. While they may not represent serious problems, they could be signs of colon cancer:
Unintentional weight loss
Patients diagnosed with early to advanced colorectal cancer can rest assured they are receiving the best and most integrated care available through UCLA's Colorectal Cancer Treatment Program and the GI Oncology Program, which simplifies how patients and their specialists communicate with one another.
Phone: UCLA Physician Referral Service at 1-800-UCLA-MD1 (800-825-2631)
Phone: Digestive Diseases Call Center (310) 825-1597
Or by Email: Appointment Form »
